Surgeon E. S. Gaillard, Medl Director,
I respectfully beg leave to return the communication of Surgeon Barton (referred
to me) requesting the retention of Hosl Steward G. P. Mackinhiener as an
additional Hospl apothecary at the Genl Hosl No. 8 under his charge.

There are two Hospl Stewards regularly appointed acting as
apothecaries & one as Mess Steward – still only one Steward appears on the
morning report. The capacity of this Hosl will be 300. The Division of Winder
contain a a 700 & there are 2 druggist to each. Chimborazo has 600 to each
Division excluding attendants & only 2 men on duty in the Apothecary shop of
each – one only of whom is a Hospl Steward & in Genl Hospl No 1 with a
capacity of 400. There are 2 men with the rank & pay of nurse.

I would not recommend that two Hospl Stewards be retained
at this Hospl as apothecary – but that one clerk , apothecary & Mess
Steward each have the rank & pay of Hospital Steward - & that if on
account of multitudinous prescriptions one is unable to attend to all the duties
– that temporary aid be sought from some intelligent man detailed as nurse.

There are 1 Surgeon, 15 Assist. Surgeon on duty at this
Hosl. Number in this Hosl [blank].